Not to be confused with the translated Kobayakawa book by TFH, only two words describe this book: eye candy. Never mind that you cannot read Japanese, or that the identifications are frequently incorrect (they seem to be based on names that were assigned by the exporters). Say what you want about the aquarium scene in Japan (that their fish are grossly overpriced, or that their loose purse strings means that they get all the good stuff), there's little denying that their aquarium fish photographers are among the world's best and the photographs they take are stunningly breathtaking.

If you love catfishes for their form, this book is most certainly for you. The pictures of spawning Lophiosilurus alexandri alone are worth the price of the book.